Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and experience something people talk about?  I know that I have, one of the most common thing I hear people talking about are the old fashioned soda shops. These were usually set up in the corner drug store's in your local town, before the chain pharmacies became popular.

From what I have seen Soda Shop's are a thing of the past.  I never had the chance to experience one because they were just simply not around when I was growing up.  I have heard from my Grandparents that was the only way you could get a Cherry Coke because they would actually mix the cherry flavor to the Coke before it readily available like it is today.

Alas I have found a local restaurant that embodies what an old fashioned soda shop might be like. That place is Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop located in South End right along the light rail.  When you walk into the restaurant it is like stepping back in time.  With the long marble counter top right inside the front door with the soda fountain behind the counter where they still make phosphates, which are hand stirred beverages like an old fashioned Cherry Coke.

They also specialize in Malts, Milkshakes, Sundaes, and even Ice Cream Floats.  I do not know many restaurants that serve Ice Cream Floats not even Ice Cream shops.  When I tried this place I went for lunch and tried the honey pecan chicken.  I highly recommend this dish, it is a fried chicken breast drizzled with honey and topped with chopped pecans, it is served with mashed potatoes and homemade broccoli casserole.  I am not one for the sweet and savory combination but this was awesome, I think mostly because it was not overly sweet and the broccoli casserole is fantastic and reminds me of my Mom's.

If you are looking to go back in time or even re-live the soda shop experience you had while growing up then look no further than Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop.  I was able to find a great video showcasing Pike's and dives more into the history of the restaurant.